Halloween safety tips from Tidewater Orthodontics

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of today's sweet and spooky holiday, our team at Tidewater Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family tonight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists were kind enough to provide trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give us a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a safe, fun and happy Halloween!

Great Job!

Great job by the staff of Tidewater Orthodontics who ran in the Run Like a Girl 5K to support ovarian cancer at First Landing State Park!

Cold season is here, from Tidewater Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. John O Ashby and team give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Tidewater Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Don't skip those regular checkups, especially in October!

Our team at Tidewater Orthodontics want to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Tidewater Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the area!

October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have created a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Curtis Dailey and Dr. John Ashby encourage you to check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask our doctors or staff during your next visit at Tidewater Orthodontics!

We hope you've had a great Monday, and are ready for Halloween season!